IRESSA used to treat advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have already received specific chemotherapy (platinum and docetaxel).

Effects - How it works in the body

Iressa is belongs to the class of medications known as antineoplastic (anticancer) agent drug and commonly used for the treatment or prevention of the symptoms of several types of lung cancer. Iressa (Gefitinib) works by preventing lung cancer cells from growing and multiplying. Iressa (Gefitinib) stops the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to activate the enzyme tyrosine kinase. Actually cancer cells, like healthy cells, depend on separate mechanisms operating within the body to live and thrive. One such mechanism that oncologists have placed particular focus on is the receiving of epidermal growth factors (EGFs) by the cell. Epidermal growth factors are peptide hormones that attach to the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) on cells. When this occurs tyrosine kinase, an enzyme, is activated. Tyrosine kinase stimulates growth and division from within the cell. Iressa (Gefitinib) prevents the activation of tyrosine kinase in cancer cells by blocking the epidermal growth factor receptors.